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Three recent burglaries led to God's Pantry temporarily closing the doors of one of its six food banks, but an official with the organization sees the thefts of food meant to be given away as a cry for help.
Danielle Tussey, the director of programs for God's Pantry, has worked with the organization for more than a decade. She said she has never known of anyone robbing one of its food banks.
"I really attribute it to the economy," Tussey said. "I think that those folks had a need."
During the first burglary on June 11, 12 boxes of catfish and an air conditioner were taken from the pantry at Gardenside Baptist Church.
On Sunday night, burglars took more catfish and the second air conditioner. Non-perishable food was taken in the most recent burglary on Wednesday night.
"They were selective in what they chose," said Linda Lancaster, God's Pantry community services coordinator.
Tussey said she thinks the pantry may open its doors again next week, but with the air-conditioning units needing to be replaced, it's unclear.
She said more monetary donations will help the pantry stay on the right track.
"I don't think that they are taking away food from clients that need it because I think they needed it," Tussey said.
She said it's hard to understand why people would take food from the pantry because they regularly give it away.
"Initially, it was a shock," said Lancaster, who volunteers at the pantry that was targeted.
While the Gardenside Baptist Church location is closed, it will add security measures, such as a motion-sensing light, a dead-bolt lock and a steel door. Clients can go to other locations to get food. But Lancaster said most clients walk to the pantry, and high gas prices are another obstacle.
Each month, about 1,300 families received assistance from God's Pantry, which is 34 percent more than the pantry supplied food for last year.
God's Pantry provides emergency assistance for families in need. Referrals are made by social service agencies.
"There is a great need this year," Lancaster said.
